George Zimmerman's arrest brings relief to community

SANFORD — Reaction across Central Florida to George Zimmerman's second-degree-murder charge Wednesday evening showed measured relief after weeks of demands for justice in the shooting death of Trayvon Martin.

"I think it's justice being served," Sanford's Allen Chapel AME Church Pastor Valerie Houston said. "All the protesting and all the marching, all the tears and lost nights of sleep, it's all been worthwhile."

Houston held a prayer service at the church that was attended by several dozen people after special prosecutor Angela Corey's decision to charge Zimmerman. Worshipers rose to sing "Glory, Glory Hallelujah" after walking into the church.

Minister R. White, in his opening prayer, thanked God and asked blessings for the Zimmerman family "on this victorious day."

The Goldsboro neighborhood church has been a focal point for protesters and others who have expressed their concerns about the handling of the case by the Sanford Police Department.

Over the past weeks, nearly 400 people, including many influential local civil-rights leaders and pastors, have packed the church, calling for Zimmerman's arrest.

City officials have taken plenty of heat over the shooting, especially Sanford police chief Bill Lee Jr., who temporarily stepped aside after being severely criticized for his department's handling of the case.

Sanford Mayor Jeff Triplett called for continued calm.

"This is an event that has touched many hearts and many lives," Triplett told the media at Sanford City Hall. "We'll be seeking healing for the city of Sanford and asking for the community's cooperation."

Members of the Florida Civil Rights Association said the unrest in the community will subside now that Zimmerman is behind bars.

"The arrest is partial closure for Trayvon's family and the community at large," the group's attorney Shayan Elahi said. "It also means that Zimmerman will have his right to due process in court and not in the court of public opinion."

Sanford residents, who had to bear the brunt of multiple protests, rallies and minor accounts of criminal activity, said they hope their community can move forward.

"Maybe [the arrest] will be an end to all this foolishness that's been going on," said resident Vanessa Smith, who watched Corey's announcement on television with her children.

"The last couple of nights I've been hearing gunshots and people screaming," said Smith's eldest son, Kevonta McMillian, 18. "Now the problem is resolved and hopefully things will go back to normal."

Although most of the activity surrounding Trayvon's shooting has taken place in Sanford, residents in other parts of Central Florida weighed in on Zimmerman's arrest.

"It's about time he got arrested," said Lee Anne Palmer, who was walking around downtown Orlando's Lake Eola with a friend. "You don't just shoot someone who's unarmed."

Others have been more critical of the legal system.

"The judicial system may be more successful in sorting out the details to provide a clear picture of what happened," said Orlando resident Ron Morrison. "The legislation that allowed both persons to act may be flawed and may need some judicial review."

"It is critical that we be patient and allow the proceedings to move forward in a fair and transparent manner," Scott wrote in statement. "We will all continue to look for answers to the Trayvon Martin tragedy."